The Steelworkers Voice Their Discontent to International Olympic Committee

Québec - Representatives of 780 workers in Alma, Québec, who have been illegally locked out by Rio Tinto Alcan will gather Thursday in front of the Québec City Convention Centre, during a meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board and SportAccord International's convention. The events bring together 1,800 key decision-makers and influencers of the Olympic movement, as well as 200 journalists from across the world.

The locked-out workers, members of the United Steelworkers, will gather outside the convention centre between 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. to denounce the fact that Rio Tinto is the official supplier of the metal used to produce the 4,700 Olympic medals for the London 2012 Games.

Thursday's gathering of workers is part of the Off the Podium international campaign currently supported by several international unions and other organizations.

The United Steelworkers invites the media to attend an important news conference Thursday at 10:45 a.m., in front of the Québec City Convention Centre (900 René-Lévesque Blvd. East, Québec City).

WHO: United Steelworkers, Local Union 9490

Spokesperson: Marc Maltais, President, United Steelworkers Local Union 9490

Réal Valiquette, United Steelworkers Area Coordinator - Quebec

WHAT: Press conference on the meeting of the IOC and SportAccord International's convention.

WHEN: Thursday, May 24, 10:45 a.m.

WHERE: Québec City Convention Centre, 900 René-Lévesque Blvd. East.

The 780 workers at Rio Tinto's aluminum smelter in Alma were locked out illegally almost five months ago because they stood up against the company's attempt to replace retiring unionized workers with contract workers earning half the wages. The Steelworkers say Rio Tinto's behaviour is failing to live up to the Olympic principles of fair play and solidarity. That is why these workers are telling the IOC to keep Rio Tinto off the Olympic podium.